Woodbridge Issues Heat Alert Advisory

WOODBRIDGE – Mayor John E. McCormac today announced that the Woodbridge Division on Aging, the Department of Health & Human Services, and the Office of Emergency Management has issued a “heat alert” advisory for July 3 – 10.

As a result of the advisory, Woodbridge Township has established “cooling centers” at various Township facilities, including the Community Center, the Health Center, the four Township libraries, the Police Department, and at various municipal buildings and senior centers – locations where Senior residents can get air-conditioned relief from the predicted heat and humidity. Residents without air conditioning and who cannot travel should contact the Division on Aging “Beat the Heat” program at 1-732-855-0600 x5023 or the Woodbridge Police Department at 1-732-634-7700 for assistance.

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“The Township has activated the ‘Beat-the-heat’ fan program to loan fans to Senior residents without access to cooling devices and has opened cooling centers at various municipal locations and senior centers convenient to residents who do not have air conditioning and who need to obtain relief from the extremely hot temperatures that are predicted for the coming week,” McCormac said. “Senior and disabled residents, along with individuals with respiratory problems and those with medical conditions, should take precautions and obtain relief from the extremely hot conditions expected over the next week.”

Woodbridge Township Cooling Centers are located at the following locations. Residents are urged to contact the Municipal facility to determine hours of operation:

Woodbridge Community Center at the YMCA, 600 Main Street, Woodbridge: (1-732-596-4170)

Woodbridge Township residents can contact the Division on Aging directly at 1-732-855-0600 x5023 or Multi-Services on Aging at the Evergreen Center at 1-732-382-4700 for more information and referrals to local facilities that can assist residents.

McCormac suggested that residents look out for neighbors, senior residents and family members during periods of extreme heat. “If you know someone who may be at risk for heat stress, take a few minutes to check on them periodically throughout the day and night. You may be saving a life,” he said.

Councilwoman Brenda Yori Velasco reminded that the Division on Aging is again sponsoring the “Beat the Heat” fan donation program. Each summer the Division on Aging reaches out to community associations, the business community, and residents seeking donations of new fans to assist senior residents or low income families without air conditioning or fans.

To be eligible to receive a free fan from the “Beat the Heat” program, applicants must be a resident of Woodbridge Township, not have any cooling device or, due to illness and/or disability, cannot leave the residence to go to a cooling center, and complete a request/eligibility form.

To apply for the “Beat the Heat” Program, or to donate a fan, contact the Woodbridge Division on Aging, Health Center, 2 George Frederick Plaza at 1-732-855-0600 x5023 (Mon.-Fri. from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

Mayor McCormac offered the following “heat alert” suggestions:

Remain indoors, in a properly ventilated location, as much as possible;

If you must go out, do so early or late… wear sunscreen and clothing to protect exposed skin;

Keep a supply of drinking water and prepared foods… avoid use of stoves or ovens;

Avoid outdoor activities; and
Be a good neighbor and check on family and friends.